Even Warriors Need Help Occasionally

This fundraiser is to help Patrick with costs associated with short-term, skilled care while he continues his chemotherapy regimen. The recent onset of sepsis and continued difficulties swallowing, shortness of breath, and general fatigue have proven unsafe for Patrick to return to his apartment upon discharge from the hospital. Funds raised will pay for skilled care beyond the limited week of insurance coverage. It’s essential Patrick does not return to his apartment until his condition improves. These funds will also help with uncovered procedural and prescription co-pays and crucial personal care supplies.

For those who may not be up to date:

Near the end of March 2022, Patrick asked his PCP for and received orders for a PET scan to better understand ongoing health concerns. After this initial scan, several other tests followed. Finally, it was discovered and later confirmed by masses present in the scans; Patrick received the devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. While the diagnosis is unwelcome and unexpected, it explains the many symptoms he has been experiencing for months leading up to these tests.

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Patrick successfully had a central line port placement in preparation for his first cycle of chemotherapy on Monday, May 23.

Overall, Patrick’s first chemotherapy treatment went well. He was in the treatment room for over 6 hours. He left his first treatment in good spirits, extremely optimistic, and courageous. Patrick continued to receive meds through an IV pump at home.

That Wednesday, Patrick went to his scheduled appointment to remove the pump and receive a saline solution flush. At the appointment, Patrick shared he was experiencing acute shortness of breath and extreme fatigue. It was recommended he go from his doctor’s office to the ER. After running labs and undergoing a CT scan, it was determined the cause of these symptoms was sepsis. Patrick was immediately started on a round of IV antibiotics. He was admitted and transferred to the Med/Surg/Oncology unit on Thursday morning and continues to be on IV antibiotics every 6 hours. The doctors will continue to assess which antibiotic(s) are most effective in treating Patrick’s sepsis-related symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, dizziness, pain, fatigue). Although he is more comfortable and feeling a little better, he is still frail.

As of today, Sunday, June 5, 2022, Patrick remains hospitalized. The pain continues to be a challenge to manage. As a result, the doctors have started Patrick on radiation treatments to help control pain in combination with pain meds. He has had one such treatment and will continue them throughout this week.

We are hopeful the combination of antibiotics and radiation treatments will offer some relief. Along with his doctors, various allied health care professionals are working with him (e.g., speech and physical therapy, swallowing specialist, medical social worker). At this time, there is no anticipated discharge or transfer date.

Despite the discomfort, Patrick is managing to keep his spirits up. He draws upon your positive spirit and prayers to cheer him along on his health journey.

Any contribution to Patrick’s ongoing care is greatly appreciated. Every amount helps. Your generosity is accepted with gratitude and love.

This is a special message from Patrick:

To my treasured friends and family,

You will never know how your support and love have affected me through this journey. I so appreciate all of the well wishes and heartfelt expressions of love. I cannot express in words how much this has meant to me as I travel on this odyssey. At this point, it is difficult to respond to each wonderful message, but know how much you have touched me.

May God bless you all, keep you safe, and watch over you always!